The statement, „Language is a system of coding,“ sounds almost banal, yet it conceals almost infinite possibilities of meaning and understanding. Some people have access to this system, but rarely in its full depth; usually, certain areas remain only partially accessible.

Anyone who engages with language, or languages, knows that there are harmless, seemingly insignificant words that don’t hold much meaning. However, there are also incredibly powerful words capable of evoking an entire system of meaning in the consciousness of the person who hears, reads, or thinks them.

Possibilities of Expression in Descriptions 

But how can one begin to grasp and utilize this whole, which consists of infinitely many parts? When we are lacking of powerful words, one must begin to describe what is in one’s mind in detail using the available means. Who hasn’t experienced wanting to communicate something and, lacking the appropriate words, resorting to description? It is not easy to make oneself understood, and the more descriptions are used, the more cumbersome and difficult to understand it becomes for the listener or reader.

Common Places and Communication

Furthermore, one must explain words that one knows but the recipient might not understand; otherwise, communication and exchange cannot succeed. We all experience this difficulty over and over again, even those who are very familiar with the system of language and its codes. Because it’s about finding common ground.

The Will to Understand

One must understand that we live in a Babylonian confusion of words and languages, where differing levels of education, diverse interests and specializations, as well as incompatible socializations, make communication beyond the trivial almost impossible. Every word can evoke a multitude of associations that extend far beyond the term itself. Therefore, both parties – the speaker or writer as well as the listener – must be willing to understand each other; otherwise, all communication is doomed to failure.

Example: Car

A car is, of course, a means of transportation, but beyond its technological development and its significance for mobility, it also encompasses a wide range of social aspects, such as status or philosophical considerations, like freedom, to name just one. Certainly, there are also people who immediately think of the environment and climate change, or Christmas markets in Germany. What one associates with a car and how one understands the word „car“ in one’s personal life depends on countless factors that the other person rarely fully grasps or even knows.

Developing Systems and Codings

Individual language skills always vary, but everyone can improve themselves. This includes regular reading as well as verbal interaction with others. The more diverse the input, the broader the spectrum of codings becomes. Switching between languages ​​is also beneficial for expanding skills and increasing flexibility.

Native Language or Foreign Language

It makes no difference whether communication takes place between native speakers or speakers of different languages, the starting situation is identical: Without the will to understand each other, it will not be possible and this requires goodwill from both.